Summer activities in the planning

As we welcome the arrival of longer days and warmer weather, we also look forward to the return of the city’s Summer Concert Series, set to resume this June.

There will be six concerts this year; two at La Habra Marketplace and four at El Centro Lion’s Park.

The first concert at the La Habra Marketplace will take place June 18, beginning at 6 p.m. with an opening performance by The Farpointe Band, featuring the musical talents of Councilman Tom Beamish and Sandi Baltes from the La Habra Collaborative. The headline performance will be by the Beatles vs. Stones Tribute Band.

The second concert at the La Habra Marketplace will be 6 p.m. on June 25 with The Step Brothers Band followed by Thee Midniters.

The concert series will return to its usual performance venue at El Centro Lions Park on July 9. All concerts at El Centro Lions Park begin at 7 p.m. and will feature performances by:

 July 9: Cold Duck

 July 16: Mariachi Divas

 July 23: Retro Soul

 July 30: Hip Street

The summer concerts are free and always draw a great crowd. For more information, contact the Community Services Department at 562-383-4200.

MOVIES IN THE PARK

Building upon the success of our concerts in the park, the city is introducing Movies in the Park.

The first public screening took place at Brio Park (located across Euclid Street from the Children’s Museum at La Habra) on April 17. Approximately 200 people were on hand to enjoy the animated film “Disney’s Planes: Fire and Rescue.” Movie patrons enjoyed a food truck and popcorn on site for sale.

Movies are screened on a large inflatable screen with theater-like surround sound.

All films will be family friendly. The schedule at Brio Park will include:

May 15: Disney’s “Up”

June 19: “Dolphin Tale 2”

July 17: “Annie”

Aug. 21: “Big Hero 6”

Movies are free and will begin at dusk. For more information, contact the Community Services Department at 562-383-4200.

SUPPORT CHARLIE COMPANY DURING DEPLOYMENT

La Habra has long supported the brave men and women serving in our nation’s military. Our adopted unit, “Charlie” Company of the 426th Brigade Support Battalion, is on deployment in Afghanistan.

Though the unit is scheduled to return stateside later this summer, there is still time to demonstrate your support and donate personal supplies.

La Habrans are encouraged to donate any of the following personal care items:

 Hand sanitizer, soap and shampoo

 Tooth paste, tooth brushes and deodorant

 Sunscreen and Chapstick or lip balm

Phone cards

 Handwritten cards and notes of encouragement

Donations will be accepted at the La Habra Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd., through May. For more information, contact Melissa Flores at 562-383-4209.

LA HABRA DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

The initial study for the proposed development of a 335-unit apartment complex at 951 S. Beach Blvd. by residential developer Fairfield was released for the 30-day public review period in April.

The Planning Commission public hearing has been set for May 26. To reduce the amount of time to review and process the project, Fairfield will be submitting construction plans concurrent with the entitlement process.

 Community Development Department staff, last month, hosted a community meeting to discuss the status of the development project along the north side of Whittier Boulevard between Beach Boulevard and Hacienda Road.

About 30 people attended the meeting, including project developer Greg Jones. Neighboring residents in attendance voiced concerns about noise and expressed support for the construction of a wall that could help address those concerns.

Community Development staff will recommend to the Planning Commission (date to be determined) that the project include the removal of the existing block wall and replacement with a new block wall.

 The city continues to work with a developer for the possible development of new homes on the site of the Women’s Club property at 200 W. Greenwood Ave.

The Women’s Club has been closed for nearly two years due to structural concerns. Nothing has been determined on the property, but the developer has submitted a conceptual site plan for preliminary review by staff that proposes the construction of five to six new homes. If you have questions about the property or its potential development, contact the Community Development Department at 562-383-4100.

 Join me in congratulating Dawn Holthouser who was sworn in as La Habra’s newest planning commissioner last month. Commissioner Mark Handler was reappointed to the commission at that same meeting. Also, commissioners Paul Janoian and Jerry Powell were elected by their colleagues as the chair and vice-chair. Rounding out the Planning Commission is Jerry Callaghan. Thanks to each Planning Commission for their service to our community.

SONORA HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

Success in team sports requires motivation, hard work and dedication. While we admire individual accomplishment, I believe the achievements of a team working together toward a common goal always carry greater weight. With that in mind, please join me in congratulating the Sonora High School boys basketball team, which were recognized by the La Habra City Council during a meeting on April 20 for its recent victory in the CIF Southern Section 3AA Championship.

Each member of the team, as well as Coach Mike Murphy, who just celebrated his 500th victory and 25th year coaching Sonora High School, should be proud of their success.

Sonora had an outstanding record this season, winning 29 games and going undefeated in Freeway League play. Congratulations on a great year and for representing your school and our community with dignity and class.

WATCH FOR DAY-BITING MOSQUITOS

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District recently identified the presence in Orange County of a particular breed of mosquito known to transmit diseases not common to North America, including dengue fever, chikungunya and yellow fever.

Although the mosquito was found in Anaheim and none have yet been discovered in other Orange County communities, the agency has encouraged residents to contact it whenever and wherever they encounter tiny black and white, day-biting mosquitoes.

In addition, residents are encouraged to do their part to help stop the spread of the mosquitoes by removing standing water from around their home, ensuring that windows and door screens are in good repair and using insect repellant with EPA-registered ingredients such as DEET.

For more information, contact Vector Control at 714-971-2421 or visit ocvcd.org.​

James Gomez is a councilman and former mayor of La Habra. Reach him at 714-738-5926.

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